ANNOUNCEMENTS

Every Member Committed In-Person Sign Ups If folks need help with signing up for their commitments for next year, please contact Maria in the office to arrange a time to come to church to see opportunities and then sign up. If you are a part of a current ministry group and would like to schedule a time for Mike Corey to come to the group to do sign ups, please let Maria know. You can reach Maria at 570-421-3280. A free cup of tea comes with each session! The paper copies of the commitment form can be given to Maria, an usher or the Welcome Center host or placed in the offering plate. Staff Parish Relations (SPR) Team News Our pastor, Rev. Ed Kimes, will be retiring at the end of June 2014 and our associate pastor, Rev. Sharmune Burgess, will be appointed to another church, since she is now a licensed local pastor. The United Methodist Church operates with an appointment system, unlike some other denominations in which congregations call a pastor. All the pastoral leaders and congregations in our conference are reviewed annually by our Bishop and cabinet to match each pastors gifts with each congregations mission. The SPR team met with our district superintendent and cabinet member, Dr. Irving Cotto, in November to dialogue with him about the appointment process. Please keep our Bishop and cabinet in your prayers as they go on their annual retreat the weekend of January 17-18. If you would like to know more about the appointment process, see any member of the SPR team: Jill Malefyt, chairperson, Michelle Dodoo, John Hollister, Deanna Mayers, Kurt Visser or Pete Wilson.
Jump on Board with The Story Make a commitment to join us in our study of Gods Story. Since September we have been completing a bucket list item - reading and studying the entire Bible! Join with us as we continue this study from January 12 through May. We have nineteen small groups that you can participate in, and weekly worship centers aroudn the book(s) of the week. The Church would be happy to provide you a free copy of The Story should you want to join us!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Folks who are no longer able to attend church are always happy to hear from you! Cards and notes may be sent to Betty Quick, 486 Youngwood Drive, East Stroudsburg, Pa. 18301 Brian Farris has been discharged from the hospital but will be staying in Philadelphia for 4-6 weeks while his health is being closely monitored. Cards may be sent to him at his daughters address: Brian Farris, c/o Darlene LaBar, 1001 Primrose Ave., Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360. Stephen Ministry

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. - 1 Peter 3:8

All too often, we have no comfortable means to vent emotions or share fears, doubts, and struggles. This can be a significant deterrent to the healing process or to personal spiritual growth. Stephen Ministry provides a place to express feelings in a candid, confidential environment, thereby permitting the healing necessary to move on to a more productive and satisfying life. If you or someone you know would like more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Peggy Strack, 570-421-3280 ext. 23. Staff Contact Information Office 570-421-3280 Pastor - Ed Kimes Associate Pastor - Sharmune Burgess Church Secretary - Maria Ragonese Congregational Care - Peggy Strack Music & Worship - Andy Waddell Youth Ministry - Scott Kuhnle Childrens Ministry - Pam OBrien Finances - Sue Mertz Financial Secretary - Cyndie Faunce Maintenance - Bruce Johnson Organist - Pauline Fox Audio-visuals - Joe Dorsch Technology Support Michael Corey ekimes@esumc.net sburgess@esumc.net mragonese@esumc.net pstrack@esumc.net awaddell@esumc.net skuhnle@esumc.net childrendirector@esumc.net smertz@esumc.net cfaunce@esumc.net bjohnson@esumc.net foxes@esumc.net josephdorsch@gmail mcorey@esumc.net

SAVE THE DATE Youth Rally to Ocean City, MD: January 10 12, 2014 The youth rally is a trip for all 6th - 12th grade students. We join with thousands of other youth to fellowship, worship, and hear messages from professional Christian speakers. If you would like to sign up, please contact Scott Kuhnle (skuhnle@esumc.net). Mission Trip with ESU As we partner with East Stroudsburg University students on our third trip to Swan Quarter, North Carolina, we ask you to pray for us while we witness Jesus Christs love through our actions and words to the folks still struggling to rebuild their lives. We leave ESUMC today, January 5th, and return Friday or Saturday (Jan 10/11). OKs January Event The next meeting of the OKs will be Jan. 8th with a snow date of Jan. 15th. There will only be one postponement. We are making an adjustment in the day of the week we will meet each month because of the community meal program. Wednesday is the only day without conflicts. Come for a hearty soup lunch with sandwiches and dessert, and speaker. Please call Erma Powell with what you want to bring so we have a terrific variety. If you are making soup, a smaller amount will work, if we have multiple people bringing different soups. Potato and turkey noodle have been donated so far. Skills for Better Parent-Child Relationships session will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Reeders United Methodist Church. The morning seminar will include

Spring Adult Mission Trip The Spring Adult Mission trip is to Ocean City, NJ to help in the relief of Sandy. The cost is unknown at this time. We will be leaving Sunday afternoon on April 27 and coming back Friday, May 2nd or Saturday, May 3rd. If interested or need more details, please contact Wayne Mertz at wdmertz@gmail.com or (570) 7309240. Scholarships are available. All skill levels are wanted and needed. MS Walk (Alternative) Mark your calendars for the next MS Alternative Walk for Sunday, May 4, 2014. Tom's Trekies will provide additional information in the coming months for the walk that will take place in Stroudsburg rather than traveling to Pocono Raceway. Thank you, Tom and Kathy Hinkey! Stay Connected!

For more information on The Story activities and other events planned for the winter at ESUMC, scan this QR for our weekly updated website:

Why Our Kids Misbehave, Tips for Restyling Our Parenting Choices, and Practice + Patience = Progress. The seminar leader, Deb Mark,

has over two decades of teaching, more than three decades of parenting, and has led multiple parenting classes for schools, churches, and communities. Childcare is free and is provided by the staff of Little Blessings Nursery School. Register at www.StrengtheningRelationships.net or call 570-629-1712 and leave a message.